Learning how to express “end of the month” in Japanese is an essential skill for anyone interested in the language. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply want to expand your language proficiency, being able to discuss dates and timeframes is crucial. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “end of the month” in Japanese, provide regional variations if applicable, and offer plenty of tips and examples along the way. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “End of the Month”
In formal Japanese, there are a few ways to express “end of the month” depending on the context. Let’s take a look at some commonly used phrases:
1. 月末 (げつまつ) – This is the most commonly used term to refer to the end of the month in formal situations. It literally translates to “end of the month” and is widely understood in both written and spoken Japanese. For example, if you want to say “I have a meeting at the end of the month,” you can say “月末に会議があります” (げつまつにかいぎがあります).
2. 月の終わり (つきのおわり) – Another formal expression for “end of the month” is 月の終わり. It has a slightly more poetic tone and is often used in written form or formal speeches. An example sentence would be “月の終わりまでにレポートを提出してください” (つきのおわりまでにれぽーとをていしゅつしてください), which means “Please submit the report by the end of the month.”
Informal Ways to Say “End of the Month”
In informal conversations, you might come across different expressions to convey “end of the month.” Here are a couple of commonly used phrases in casual Japanese:
1. 月末 (げつまつ) – Just like in formal Japanese, 月末 is also used informally to mean “end of the month.” It’s worth noting that 月末 is a versatile term and can be used in both formal and informal situations. For example, if you want to say “Let’s meet at the end of the month,” you can use “月末に会おう” (げつまつにあおう).
2. 月末締め (げつまつしめ) – When talking about financial matters or deadlines, a common informal phrase for “end of the month” is 月末締め. This phrase indicates the end of the month as a deadline for submitting financial reports or completing certain tasks. For instance, you might hear someone say “今月末締めの予定なので、早めに仕上げましょう” (こんげつげつまつしめのよていなので、はやめにしあげましょう), which means “We have a deadline for the end of this month, so let’s finish it early.”
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken across different regions in Japan, and sometimes, local variations in expressions may arise. While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood, here are a couple of regional variations that you might come across:
1. 月末 (げっぴょう) – In some areas, like the Kansai dialect, people may use げっぴょう instead of げつまつ to indicate the end of the month. For example, instead of saying “月末に結果を報告します” (げつまつにけっかをほうこくします), someone from the Kansai region might say “げっぴょうに結果を報告します.”
2. 仕舞い (しまい) – In Western Japan, particularly in the Hiroshima dialect, しまい is sometimes used as a regional variation for “end of the month.” However, it is important to note that this term is more commonly used to mean “the end” in general, rather than specifically referring to the end of the month.
Tips and Examples
To master the usage of “end of the month” in Japanese, here are a few additional tips and examples:
- Be aware of context: While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood, it’s essential to consider the context in which you are using them. Pay attention to the level of formality and adjust your language accordingly.
- Combine with specific dates: To be more precise, you can combine the phrases with specific dates. For example, if you want to say “I’ll be in Tokyo until the end of the month,” you can say “月末まで東京にいます” (げつまつまでとうきょうにいます).
- Listen and imitate: Practice listening to native Japanese speakers or watching Japanese media to develop a natural feel for how “end of the month” is used in conversation. Imitate the intonation and rhythm to sound more fluent.
Here are a few more examples to solidify your understanding:
1. イベントは月末に開催されます。 (The event will be held at the end of the month.)
2. 月末までに宿題を終わらせなければなりません。 (I have to finish my homework by the end of the month.)
3. 来月末には会社を辞める予定です。 (I plan to quit my job at the end of next month.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “end of the month” in Japanese. Remember to use 月末 (げつまつ) in formal situations and casual conversations. If you want to add a deadline element, you can use 月末締め (げつまつしめ). Keep in mind that while local variations like げっぴょう and しまい exist, they are not as widely used as the standard phrases. Practice using these expressions in different contexts to become more confident and proficient in Japanese. Happy learning!
